The Drive-In Experience

The SONIC Drive-In experience is all about customization, control and choice. Customers enjoy fresh, made-to-order food delivered right to their comfort of their cars.

Customization

Since our humble beginnings in the 1950s, SONIC has always focused on customization and providing what our guests want from our innovative, made-to-order menu. In fact, we offer more than one million unique drink combinations.

BLADE Five Daypart Strategy

SONIC has a wide variety of menu items to attract customers across five distinct dayparts (breakfast, lunch, afternoon, dinner, evening), including the full menu all day, premium chicken, snacks, robust frozen and fountain offerings.

Technology

Innovation

SONIC has been leading the way for technology innovation from its early years, when SONIC founder Troy Smith revolutionized the ordering process by installing curbside speakers allowing customers to place orders without leaving their cars. Today, we continually look for ways to innovate and improve customer service.

Advertising Power

SONIC’s iconic Two Guys advertising campaign is one of the most successful advertising campaigns, providing instant brand recognition and unprecedented advertising muscle to SONIC franchisees on opening day and beyond. The Two Guys campaign establishes our brand even in markets where we do not yet have a physical franchise presence.

SONIC Refranchising Initiative Adds New Franchisee to System

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sonic Corp., the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, announced multi-brand franchise organization Let’s Shake, led by restaurant industry veteran Sunil Dharod, purchased 53 SONIC Drive-Ins as part of the brand’s previously announced refranchising initiative.

Let’s Shake purchased the drive-ins from Sonic Restaurants, Inc., the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary that owns and operates 286 SONIC Drive-Ins. In 2016, the brand announced a refranchising initiative to move toward an approximately 95% franchised system. The sale of drive-ins in the San Antonio market is a key step in achieving that goal. As part of the sale, Let’s Shake also agreed to build five new drive-ins in the market over the next several years.

“With decades of restaurant franchisee experience in Texas, Sunil’s organization makes for a great partnership with SONIC,” said Drew Ritger, senior vice president of development for SONIC. “We anticipate strong leadership from Let’s Shake to provide stellar guest service and delicious SONIC food to consumers in the San Antonio market.”

“SONIC Drive-In is a household name in Texas, and we are honored to be able to add this great brand to our portfolio,” said Sunil Dharod, president of SSCP Management and Managing Member of Let’s Shake. “We look forward to continuing to bring SONIC’s American classics to our San Antonio guests.”

With the sale of San Antonio SONIC Drive-Ins to Let’s Shake, and other refranchising sales, the SONIC system is currently 92% franchised. The refranchising initiative is ahead of schedule with expectation to be complete by the third fiscal quarter of 2017.

About SONIC, America’s Drive-In

SONIC Refranchising Initiative Adds New Franchisee to SystemSONIC, America’s Drive-In is the nation’s largest drive-in restaurant chain serving approximately 3 million customers every day. More than 90 percent of SONIC’s 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local business men and women. For 64 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, 1.3 million drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. Since the 2009 launch of SONIC’s Limeades for Learning philanthropic campaign in partnership with DonorsChoose.org, SONIC has donated $7.4 million to public school teachers nationwide to fund essential learning materials and innovative teaching resources to inspire creativity and learning in today’s youth. To learn more about Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC), please visit http://sonicdrivein.com and please visit or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. To learn about SONIC’s Limeades for Learning initiative, please visit Limeadesforlearning.com.

America’s Drive-In Enters 45th State with Smithfield Area Location

SMITHFIELD, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– SONIC, America’s Drive-In®, is celebrating the opening of its first Rhode Island drive-in location on Monday, October 26, 2015. Whether it’s to delight in experiencing SONIC for the first time, or to merely enjoy the delicious Real Ice Cream Shakes and Premium Beef Hot Dogs, the Rhode Island community is invited to celebrate and dive into a new flavor experience with SONIC.

The new Smithfield SONIC is conveniently located at 393 Putnam Pike by Route 44. The drive-in will be open from 7 a.m. until midnight seven days a week.

“We are thrilled to be the first franchisees to bring the SONIC experience to Rhode Island,” said Bob Bowen, franchisee of the new drive-in. “The drive-in will feature an indoor dining room to accommodate up to 70 guests, a double drive-thru and a drivein area with 12 parking stalls for cars to pull in, offering our fans many ways to enjoy SONIC.”

The location already has eager customers arriving hoping to get their first taste of SONIC’s signature menu offerings. Once open, SONIC guests have the privilege of enjoying their breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites all day. SONIC’s customizable options and various made-to-order combinations make it the perfect place to satisfy all cravings.

Rhode Island is the 45th state for the expanding brand, with the Smithfield location being the first to open in the state. Plans to bring two additional drive-ins to Rhode Island are in motion as well, with both drive-ins expected to open in the next few years. The swiftly growing brand plans to open an additional 50 to 60 new franchise locations across the nation within the next year.

“Our expansion into our 45th state proves that SONIC has grown far beyond the regional player it once was; this opening is not only a milestone but also a stepping stone toward our goal of having a SONIC Drive-In convenient to all guests in the U.S.,” said Drew Ritger, senior vice president of development at SONIC. “SONIC is expanding rapidly through franchise partnerships like this one in Rhode Island, and we are constantly looking for new entrepreneurs interested in becoming a part of a different kind of restaurant concept.”

There are still many opportunities for SONIC to expand through strategic franchise partnerships like this one in New England including Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. SONIC offers franchisees flexibility with multiple drive-in formats, including the indoor dining offering especially suited to colder climates. Individuals interested in pursuing a SONIC franchise are encouraged to visit sonicfranchises.com for more information on qualifications and brand support.

About SONIC, America’s Drive-In

SONIC, America’s Drive-In, is the nation’s largest drive-in restaurant chain serving more than 3 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of SONIC’s 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local businessmen and women. Over the past 60 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, more than 1.3 million drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. To learn more about Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC), please visit sonicdrivein.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SONIC signs two Rhode Island agreements and continues to search for additional franchisees

OKLAHOMA CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)– SONIC® Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC) today announced two new agreements for franchise development in Rhode Island, the 45th state for the expanding brand. A mainstay in the South and Central Plains,
SONIC is swiftly expanding in the Northeast to meet ever-growing demand through strategic franchise partnerships.

The first new SONIC franchisee for Rhode Island will bring the state its first SONIC Drive-In to the Providence, R.I., market in mid-2015, with plans for more down the line. The second new franchisee is planning to bring two new drive-ins to the state in the next few years. Beyond this initial growth, the brand is still actively seeking interested entrepreneurs in the state.

“What SONIC has to offer to potential partners is rare in this industry; our 60-year brand history and our strong franchisecentric business model makes us a great choice for entrepreneurs interested in building a business with an established, respected brand,” said Bob Franke, senior vice president of franchise sales and international development for SONIC. “We’re seeing strong demand for SONIC coast to coast due to our successful national advertising campaign and positive word-of-mouth, and recent openings in the Northeast have been phenomenal, signaling that the market is primed for additional driveins.
In addition, our four consecutive years of same-store sales growth in what has been a challenging environment for other restaurant brands makes SONIC an attractive business for those looking to delve into the restaurant industry.”
To fuel additional expansion in the Northeast, SONIC development executives will be in Boston for Franchise Discovery meetings. They will also be participating in the New England Food Show March 15 to 17, 2015 in Boston, engaging with potential franchisees at the region’s largest trade event for restaurants, retailers and foodservice professionals as the only franchise restaurant brand. Individuals interested in pursuing a SONIC franchise are encouraged to visit sonicdrivein.com for more information on qualifications and brand support. To schedule an in-person Franchise Discovery meeting in Boston email sonicfranchises@sonicdrivein.com.

Always a drive-in at heart, SONIC is ready to work with franchisees to find a building solution to match their needs and the needs of their guests. SONIC offers franchisees flexibility with multiple drive-in formats, including: the traditional drive-in model with 14 to 29 dining stalls and a drive-thru; conversions, renovating existing restaurant buildings to create unique drive-ins; the counter service model, offering customizable footprints to fit a variety of indoor spaces; and indoor dining formats that allow guests to experience SONIC in multiple ways – either in their cars, at the drive-thru or seated at a table inside. As SONIC expands into new regions including the Northeast, this design has been adapted when entering into colder climates. The new Rhode Island drive-ins will feature an indoor dining area to fit the needs of its guests year-round, making SONIC a great destination any month of the year.

About SONIC, America’s Drive-In

SONIC, America’s Drive-In, is the nation’s largest drive-in restaurant chain serving more than 3 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of SONIC’s 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local business men and women. Over the past 60 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, more than 1 million drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. SONIC received top honors as America’s “#1 burger quick service restaurant,” ranking in the top 5 of all brands in the 2014 Temkin Experience Ratings report. To learn more about Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC),please visit sonicdrivein.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

New franchisee opening five drive-ins in five years

OKLAHOMA CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)– SONIC® Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC) today announced a new franchise agreement that will bring five new drive-ins to the Raleigh-Durham market over the next five years, adding to the 23 drive-ins currently operating in the Raleigh-Durham market. The nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants has signed an agreement with a new SONIC Drive-In franchisee, PGM Properties, LLC, to develop these locations.

“The folks of PGM Properties have extensive experience in the franchise world, and we are confident in their capabilities to develop the first new locations in Raleigh since before the recession,” said Bob Franke, senior vice president of franchise sales and international development for Sonic. “Franchisees have many different restaurant concept options, but the SONIC Drive-In experience offers something special. The light-hearted, family-friendly atmosphere with menu items available only at SONIC and the sense of humor reinforced by our national Two Guys advertising are unique, all equating to a brand that is attractive to both franchisees and guests.”

PGM Properties is a full-service commercial development firm with over 75 years of combined commercial real estate experience among the founding principles alone. The company specializes in the development of grocery stores, shopping centers and single-tenant retail and restaurant locations in the Southeast.

“SONIC will be our first foray into the restaurant industry as owners, but it’s something we’ve been pondering and planning for a long time,” said Dudley Parker, principal of PGM Properties. “After a great deal of research and strong recommendations from other SONIC franchisees, we made the easy choice to pursue a development agreement with SONIC Drive-In. It has been a wonderful experience, and we look forward with working with this strong brand for years to come.”

In April 2014, SONIC Drive-In announced plans to open 1,000 new locations in the span of 10 years. This Raleigh agreement is one piece of the nation-wide puzzle that will culminate in reaching the brand’s ultimate goal of having a drive-in within 10 minutes of every single guest.

SONIC’s unique menu, friendly Carhops and over one million drink combinations make it among the most differentiated concepts in the restaurant industry. SONIC continues its transition from a regional powerhouse to a national brand, and current national expansion plans mean that franchise opportunities are still available. In North Carolina, there are additional opportunities throughout the state. Individuals interested in pursuing a SONIC franchise are encouraged to visit SonicFranchises.com for more information.

About SONIC, America’s Drive-In

SONIC, America’s Drive-In, is the nation’s largest drive-in restaurant chain serving more than 3 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of SONIC’s 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local business men and women. Over the past 60 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, more than 1 million drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. SONIC received top honors as America’s “#1 burger quick service restaurant,” ranking in the top 5 of all brands in the 2014 Temkin Experience Ratings report. To learn more about Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC), please visit sonicdrivein.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

60 years of brand success, a robust franchise support system and pent-up demand signifies a bright future for the iconic brand

OKLAHOMA CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)– With more than 60 years in the quick service game and a robust presence in the South and Central Plains, SONIC® Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, is making bold progress in its commitment to expanding across the United States primarily through coast-to-coast franchise development. The brand recently placed in the top six percent of franchise brands in the Entrepreneur 2014 Franchise 500, coming in as the third highest burger chain among all franchise brands reviewed, signifying a strong start to 2014. As a franchise-centric company offering substantial franchisee support services, a national advertising budget in excess of $100 million annually and brand differentiation impossible to duplicate, SONIC Drive-In is primed for expansion with a goal of one thousand new drive-ins in the next 10 years.

Setting the Stage for Renewed Growth in 2013

Last year marked significant growth in the franchise development team for SONIC. The brand brought on John Budd for a newly created role of chief development and strategy officer to establish and implement a development program designed to move the brand down a more ambitious path for growth.

“My job is to make sure that SONIC capitalizes on current success and continues to stay on the cutting edge of the quickservice and fast-casual categories,” said Budd. “We have built one of the leading brands in the industry. Our growth strategy will focus on identifying current and new franchise partners to develop drive-ins in established locations, areas with low penetration and completely untouched markets to bring our differentiated, high-quality menu and unique Carhop service model to a broader audience of potential guests. We know that people across the country see our commercials and crave our food – we hear from them all the time. Now, we want to be able to meet the demand.”

Additionally, Bob Franke moved into the newly created position of senior vice president of franchise sales and international development, leveraging his more than 35 years in franchising management to expand SONIC’s scope beyond the fifty states – an area where he has vast experience given his past as managing director of McDonald’s Europe and Latin America.

Under Budd’s leadership, the development team has been busy refining their strategic priorities, including: growth through franchise agreements in new and developing markets; in-fill development in established markets; development of nontraditional locations with a focus on airports; expansion of locations with indoor dining; planning for international expansion and development in small towns utilizing a new, lower-cost building prototype. The execution of these strategies to-date has been impressive, bringing in numerous multi-unit agreements for drive-ins nationwide. In past months, SONIC announced franchise development agreements bringing: five new drive-ins to the Rochester, N.Y. market over the next four years; 15 new drive-ins to San Diego County and the greater Los Angeles area over the next six years; 13 new drive-ins to small towns across the country in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas and 14 new drive-ins in the greater Seattle market by 2018. In addition, SONIC opened its first location in North Dakota in 2013 – pushing SONIC’s state tally to 44 – and reached an agreement with the Wyandotte Nation, an Oklahoma-based Native American tribe, to open its first SONIC Drive-In in Seneca, Mo.

2014 Success To-Date

SONIC Drive-In started this year strong by announcing a bold growth target of 300 drive-ins in California by 2020. To achieve this goal, SONIC added additional talent to the business development team, with Craig Sherwood leading expansion in California and 15 other western states in addition to SONIC’s airport expansion initiative. SONIC also brought on Steve Bailey to lead franchise development for 16 central states. Both Sherwood and Bailey joined SONIC’s Lori Osley as senior directors of franchise sales to further accelerate recent expansion momentum and bring business opportunities to existing and new markets nationwide. The year also started with numerous announcements from coast to coast, including a franchise agreement for eight new driveins in Buffalo, N.Y. within the next six years, a franchise agreement for 10 new drive-ins in the Los Angeles market over the next seven years and a franchise agreement with an existing franchisee for an additional six locations in Syracuse, N.Y. and Watertown, N.Y. in the next four years. With these commitments, pending agreements and opportunity in numerous markets which are undeveloped or underdeveloped, SONIC is primed for significant drive-in growth.

Longer-Term Plans

As momentum builds, SONIC is setting a bold growth target for a goal of one thousand new SONIC Drive-Ins in the next 10 years, growing the popular chain by nearly 30 percent. Continued domestic growth will power much of this goal, with plans to move from 44 states to all 50 states. Additional market research with consideration on the success of other American brands on international soil will fuel strategic yet aggressive development in existing and new markets.

“The entire development team is traveling the country attending trade shows and hosting information sessions to bring in qualified franchisee partners,” said Franke. “We are confident that our distinctive business strategy and model can offer great opportunity to the right franchisee.”

The recent and planned expansion is thanks to new talent and leadership as well as the strength of the SONIC Drive-In concept. SONIC is one of the most differentiated franchise brands available today, with a unique and ever-evolving menu, nostalgic Carhop delivery and flexible drive-in prototypes made to fit any real estate challenge. A revamped franchisee acquisition website has already brought in thousands of leads for potential franchisees since launching in late 2013. Though SONIC is a common sight in the South and Central Plains states, there are still many franchise opportunities in markets big and small throughout the United States and beyond. All of this combined with a revolutionary point-of-sale system at the drive-in stall level makes SONIC a strong and proven concept in a franchising world full of flash-in-the-pan concepts that have yet to withstand the test of time.

The Case for SONIC Drive-In

As the largest national chain of drive-in restaurants the iconic SONIC style is hard to duplicate, but SONIC’s distinct brand differentiation goes far beyond the drive-in format. SONIC’s one-of-a-kind menu offers a variety of options unavailable from other brands, including Real Ice Cream desserts, TOASTER® sandwiches, Molten Cake Sundaes, breakfast all day, tasty Tots, premium hot dogs and more than 1 million unique drink combinations.

On the business side, the flexibility of the drive-in building, featuring SONIC’s unique look and feel and the variety of prototypes means that SONIC can be customized for any space or pre-existing structure, and building conversions are common and easily achievable. Recently refreshed drive-in prototypes offer indoor dining for franchisees in colder climates or smaller footprints for franchisees in metropolitan areas. SONIC is a franchise-centric brand that provides a full range of franchisee support services that extend far beyond the first drive-in opening, including: real estate site selection and negotiation, site design and construction guidance; a comprehensive training program; continuing education through in-person, online and mobile learning; human resources and staff selection support; actionable consumer insights and marketing support to set each franchisee up for success.

Though SONIC started in the South, the brand is now in 44 states nationwide. To support marketing efforts, drive traffic and reach more consumers while also increasing awareness in markets yet to be developed, SONIC substantially increased its national media spending. The strategy works, and SONIC is now among the top five burger or sandwich advertisers in most major markets with memorable and recognizable advertising starring SONIC’s beloved “Two Guys.” According to a recent study by industry research firm Technomic, SONIC advertising ranks third in a list of most effective advertising brands in the restaurant industry, and is the top burger chain in the group. This broad marketing reach allows new franchisees to open in a community that already has high brand awareness and significant pent-up demand, leading to high initial traffic followed by sustainable return business.

“Our robust media plan means that a SONIC franchise group is a leading marketer in its town before ever opening a drive-in,” said Budd. “The brand equity we’ve built in more than 60 years, the most diversified menu in the category and our continued passion for offering one-of-a-kind service makes SONIC an established and attractive business opportunity for the right partner. Our expansion plans are ambitious, and we’ve got the right team and the right brand to make it happen.”

Though there are currently more than 3,500 SONIC Drive-Ins serving guests every day, there are still franchising opportunities in markets big and small across the country, and there is no minimum requirement for number of drive-ins. Individuals interested in pursuing a SONIC franchise are encouraged to visit SonicFranchises.com for more information.

About SONIC, America’s Drive-In

SONIC, America’s Drive-In, is the nation’s largest drive-in restaurant chain serving more than 3 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of SONIC’s 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local business men and women. Over the past 60 years, SONIC has delighted guests with unique menu items, more than 1 million drink combinations and friendly service
by iconic Carhops. SONIC received top honors as America’s “#1 burger quick service restaurant,” ranking in the top 5 of all brands in the 2014 Temkin Experience Ratings report. To learn more about Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC), please visit sonicdrivein.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or underlying, these forward-looking statements are detailed in the company’s annual and quarterly report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company undertakes no
obligation to publicly release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unforeseen events, except as required to be reported under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Current Rochester franchisee doubles development plans before first location opens

OKLAHOMA CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Following a flurry of recent expansion news, SONIC Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC) today announced yet another franchise development agreement for six new drive-ins in Syracuse, N.Y. and Watertown, N.Y. in the next four years. These new commitments are an expansion of an agreement reached in 2013 for five new drive-ins in the Rochester, N.Y. market by a franchise group led by local restaurateur Fran DeSimone. The group is so enthusiastic about opportunities for the brand in the area that they have more than doubled their commitment to the SONIC brand.

In addition to the iconic drive-in stalls and a drive-thru lane, the six new SONIC Drive- Ins planned for Syracuse, N.Y. and Watertown, N.Y. will offer a newly designed indoor dining room ideally suited for the colder climate. (Photo: Business Wire)

“The northern states are ripe with expansion opportunities for SONIC given the brand’s relatively small footprint in the area combined with high customer awareness and pent-up demand – a result of our popular and effective national advertising,” said Bob Franke, senior vice president of franchise sales and international development for Sonic. “In addition, we recently introduced an indoor dining prototype that is ideally suited for driveins in colder climates. Each location will still have the iconic drive-in stalls that our guests know and love, but will also feature a drive-thru and indoor dining room so they can come in out of the cold.”

Fran DeSimone and his team bring valuable experience in both quick-service and fastcasual restaurants. DeSimone’s experience includes leadership roles with the Panera Bread, Burger King and Taco Bell brands. Through a separate business partnership, DeSimone also currently serves as the franchisee for a leading fast-casual brand in the Rochester market. DeSimone’s group is partnering with local investor David Taylor for this new agreement.

“Our first Rochester area drive-in is under development and we expect to open later this year, but our experience with SONIC has been so positive and the community reaction to SONIC so great that we decided to double our numbers and bring SONIC to Syracuse and Watertown,” said Fran DeSimone, president of the local SONIC franchise. “Upstate New York has been exposed to SONIC’s marketing and word-of-mouth for years, and is clamoring for the SONIC experience. We are thrilled to be the ones bringing it to such an enthusiastic and vocal community.”

SONIC’s one-of-a-kind menu, friendly Carhops and over one million drink combinations make it among the most differentiated concepts in the restaurant industry. For years SONIC has been a regional powerhouse, and current national expansion has created franchise opportunities nationwide. Individuals interested in pursuing a SONIC franchise are encouraged to visit SonicFranchises.com for more information.

About SONIC, America’s Drive-In

SONIC®, America’s Drive-In®, is the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants with more than 3,500 drive-ins serving approximately 3 million customers every day. Over the past 60 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, more than 1 million drink combinations, friendly service by iconic Carhops and ongoing support of education through its awardwinning Limeades for Learning® program. SONIC received top honors as America’s “#1 burger quick service restaurant” in the 2013 Temkin Experience Ratings report. For more information about Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC) and its subsidiaries, please visit sonicdrivein.com. Customers can also connect with SONIC at facebook.com/sonicdrivein or on Twitter @sonicdrive_in.

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This web site and the franchise sales information on this site do not constitute an offer to sell a franchise. The offer to sell a franchise can only be made through the delivery of a franchise disclosure document. Certain states require that we register the franchise disclosure document in those states. The communications on this web site are not directed by us to the residents of any of those states. Moreover, we will not offer or sell franchises in those states until we have registered the franchise (or obtained an applicable exemption from registration) and delivered the franchise disclosure document to the prospective franchisee in compliance with applicable law.